United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1987
Portable Pension Plan Act of 1987 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to require, at an employee's request, any employer who has not maintained a qualified pension plan for five years prior to such request to establish a salary reduction arrangement providing for employee coverage under a simplified employee pension plan. Provides that employers are not required to make contributions to such plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make conforming amendments. Directs the Secretary of Labor to prescribe by regulation a simplified method of compliance with simplified employee pension plans. Makes participation and vesting requirements of ERISA applicable to such plans and funding requirements inapplicable to such plans. Increases from ten percent to 20 percent the additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans. Exempts from such tax early distributions from individual retirement plans for medical expenses. Requires the consent of the participant before the immediate distribution of a vested accrued benefit in excess of $3,500. Provides for the portability (transfer) of amounts between plans upon a participant's preretirement separation from service. Allows the distribution of vested amounts that do not exceed $200. Makes conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of Labor to take such action as necessary to facilitate and encourage the establishment and continued maintenance by small employers of employee pension benefit plan coverage, including providing access to instructional information and information by toll-free telephone. Directs the Secretary to report annually to specified congressional committees on the extent to which efforts have been made to meet such requirement. Requires the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to report to the Congress on the retirement plan qualification process and the portability of pension benefits, together with recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1987
Encourages State and local governments and local educational agencies to provide quality daily physical education programs for all children from kindergarten through grade 12.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Makes permanent the income tax credit for qualified research expenditures by repealing the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that would terminate such credit for expenses incurred or paid after 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1987
Education for Economic Security Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Education for Economic Security Act to rename title II as the Critical Skills Improvement Act of 1987 (which may be cited as the Critical Skills Act). Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make title II grants to States for strengthening the skills of teachers and the quality of instruction in mathematics and science in elementary and secondary schools. Authorizes appropriations for title II for FY 1988 through 1993. Sets forth formulas for title II allocation of funds to States and for within State distribution. Sets forth State and local application requirements. Sets forth provisions for State and local educational agency use of title II funds. Sets forth teacher training activities for which such State and local funds may be used. Sets forth provisions for participation of children and teachers from private schools. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance and to develop procedures for State and local program evaluations. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual summary of State program evaluations. Reserves certain funds for national programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants for programs of national significance in mathematics and science instruction, giving special consideration to those programs providing special services to historically underserved and underrepresented populations in the fields of mathematics and science.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987
Salutes Betty Casey and her husband, Eugene Casey, for their support of higher education through contributions to Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1987
(Measure passed House, amended) Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should express to West Germany that the United States expects it to comply with its treaty obligations by prosecuting terrorist Mohammed Hamadei on all charges including those involving the hijacking of TWA flight 847 and the murder of Robert Stethem; (2) refusal of extradition by West Germany at this time does not exclude the United States from reinstating its extradition request should circumstances so warrant; and (3) any action by West Germany that involves the exchange of Hamadei for German nationals being held hostage by terrorists shall be unacceptable to the Congress and will affect relations between the two countries.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Satellite Television Fair Marketing Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the encrypting of satellite programming from the Public Broadcasting Service and the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Requires anyone who encrypts satellite delivered programming for private viewing to: (1) make it available for private viewing by home satellite antenna users; (2) establish reasonable character and financial criteria for distributors of satellite delivered programming and not discriminate in prices, terms, or conditions among distributors offering similar distribution services; and (3) conduct such encryption according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - approved standards designed to comply with specified criteria. Requires the FCC-approved standards to provide the public interest benefits of a universal encryption system permitting decryption by cable television subscribers and home satellite users. Authorizes aggrieved persons to commence civil actions to enforce this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study of pricing and distribution terms of satellite television programming to determine whether the programming market is developing competitively. Authorizes the FTC to establish remedies necessary to produce adequate competition. Requires the FCC to begin a rulemaking proceeding on improving access to network signals for rural Americans.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the appointment by the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands of electors of the President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which such territories would be entitled if they together were a single State, but in no event more electors than the least populous State appoints.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1987
Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to require the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to promulgate regulations relating to the exchange of land or land interests, including the timing of appraisals and the submission of appraisals in disagreement to binding arbitration. Requires regulations governing appraisals to reflect nationally recognized appraisal standards and the differences between acquisition appraisals and transfer appraisals. Permits each Secretary to exchange land or interests of approximately equal value if to do so would be in the public interest and expedite the exchange. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1998 for land exchange activities. States that the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act shall remain unaffected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987
Medicare Rural Health Care Stability Amendments of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that whenever the Secretary of Health and Human Services proposes a regulation or promulgates a final version of a regulation under the Medicare program or part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act which will have a significant impact on rural health care, the Secretary make a regulatory impact analysis available to the public. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to establish an Office of Rural Health Policy in the Office of the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to: (1) advise the Administrator regarding the effects of current policies and changes in the Medicare program on rural health; and (2) oversee compliance with the requirement that there be at least 60 days for public comment before a proposed Medicare regulation is finalized.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987
Medicare Part A Rural Health Care Stability Amendments of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit a rural hospital with less than 150 beds to furnish extended care services. (Currently, rural hospitals must have less than 50 beds to furnish such services.) Prohibits the making of Medicare payments to hospitals with more than 49 beds for extended care services: (1) which a patient receives after a bed has been available for five days in a skilled nursing facility located within the same region as the hospital, unless the patient's physician certifies that transferring the patient to such facility is medically inappropriate; and (2) to the extent such services utilize more than 15 percent of the bedspace over a cost reporting period. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to report to the Congress by February 1989 concerning: (1) the proportion of hospital admissions for extended care services which are denied or approved by a peer review organization; and (2) methods of encouraging eligible hospitals that have a low occupancy rate and are located in areas in need of extended care service providers to enter into agreements with the Secretary to provide such services. Requires that whenever the Secretary proposes a regulation or promulgates a final version of a regulation under the Medicare program or part B (Peer Review) of title XI of the Act which will have a significant impact on payment under part A (Hospital Insurance) of the Medicare program for rural health care, the Secretary make a regulatory impact analysis available to the public. Extends, through FY 1989, the provision of additional payments to sole community hospitals experiencing a decrease of more than five percent in patient volume for a cost reporting period due to circumstances beyond their control. Requires the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration to establish a study of the criteria used for classifying hospitals as rural referral centers which includes an examination of the extent to which such centers receive more or less than their actual costs of providing inpatient hospital services. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress by March 1989 regarding such study. Directs the Secretary to establish three-year demonstration projects to determine appropriate methods of strengthening the financial and managerial capability of isolated and financially distressed rural hospitals to provide necessary health care services. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987
Telephone Decency Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit any obscene or indecent telephone communication, in foreign or interstate communication or in the District of Columbia, for commercial purposes to any person. (Current law prohibits such communication to any person without his or her consent or to any person under 18 years of age.)
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Mediation Process Act of 1987 - Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act to require a person to pursue all administrative and mediation or conciliation avenues before bringing an action under such Act. Requires all administrative steps taken to be detailed in a complaint. Provides attorneys' fees for a defendant where the court determines that a plaintiff's action was unreasonable, abusive of the legal process, or was pursued for the principal purpose of harassment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987
Legal Services Corporation Amendments Act of 1987 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to allow a court to award reasonable costs and legal fees to a prevailing defendant (in an action commenced by the Legal Services Corporation or a recipient of Corporation assistance) where: (1) the action was frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation; (2) the action was pursued to harass the defendant; or (3) the Corporation or recipient maliciously abused legal process. Provides that any such costs and fees shall be paid by the Corporation, by the recipient, or by the attorney, as determined by the Court. (Current law provides for: (1) the awarding of such costs and fees only where the action was pursued to harass the defendant or where the Corporation or recipient abused legal process; and (2) the payment of such costs and fees by the Corporation.)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Employee Educational Assistance Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the income tax exclusion for employee educational assistance programs. (Present law terminates such exclusion as of December 31, 1987.) Requires, for every taxable year beginning after 1988, an annual cost of living adjustment of the maximum excludable amount. Waives the maximum excludable amount for any educational assistance furnished by certain educational institutions to graduate students engaged in teaching or research activities for such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Establishes the Veterans Administration as an executive department redesignated as the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Makes technical and conforming changes, including the redesignation of the Administrator of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Medicaid Community Spouse Protection Amendments of 1987 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to separate the income and resources of an institutionalized individual from the income and resources of his or her community spouse in determining the institutionalized individual's Medicaid eligibility. Requires that, after a personal needs allowance is deducted from an institutionalized individual's monthly income, a monthly income allowance be paid to his or her community spouse (in addition to a family allowance for each family member residing with such spouse) to the extent such spouse's monthly income falls short of a minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (allowance) determined pursuant to a specified formula. Gives the institutionalized spouse the right to a hearing to establish that the allowance is not adequate to support the community spouse without financial duress so that an adequate amount of support will be substituted for the allowance. Prohibits the allowance from being less than court-ordered support payments. Permits an institutionalized spouse to transfer resources to the community spouse to the extent $12,000 exceeds the amount of resources otherwise available to the community spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Homecare Quality Assurance Act of 1987 - Adds a new title XXI to the Social Security Act entitled "Homecare Quality Assurance." Defines "homecare services" to include home help services (i.e., homemaker, personal care, and sitter services) and Medicare (title XVIII of the Act) home health services. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate a homecare consumer's bill of rights which includes rights: (1) facilitating consumer participation in the planning and delivery of services; (2) requiring consumer notification regarding services, charges for services, and the termination or reduction of services; (3) protecting consumer dignity, privacy, and property; and (4) ensuring service from properly trained and competent individuals. Requires homecare contractors to: (1) satisfy Medicare home care agency requirements, unless they provide only home help services; (2) provide consumers with copies of the homecare bill of rights; (3) implement grievance review procedures and provide copies of such procedures to consumers; (4) provide consumers with schedules of the services to be provided; (5) have methods for identifying and reviewing a homecare consumer's needs and coordinating the provision of services with other homecare contractors; (6) ensure that each homecare provider whom they employ or have under contract receives training; and (7) evaluate annually and supervise each homecare provider whom they employ or have under contract. Requires the Secretary to encourage States to place at least as stringent conditions on State homecare service programs not covered by title XXI as those placed on covered services. Conditions coverage of durable medical equipment services on providers: (1) issuing written instructions to and training the homecare consumer and staff in the operation of such equipment; and (2) formulating an emergency plan for providing services to the consumer. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for: (1) conducting an equal number of announced and unannounced surveys of a homecare contractor's compliance with title XXI participation conditions, with more frequent surveys required for contractors with poor compliance records; and (2) validating surveys of contractors performed by accrediting organizations and States. Exempts certain homecare contractors from the Secretary's survey procedures provided they are subject to State quality assurance or licensing programs and certified by accrediting organizations whose standards and survey procedures are at least as stringent as those established under title XXI. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations, within one year of this Act's enactment, pursuant to which peer review organizations (PROs) shall monitor the provision of home health services, devoting at least 75 percent of their efforts to quality assurance. Requires the inclusion of: (1) both documentary review and personal interviews of homecare consumers and providers in the PRO review process; and (2) representatives of homecare providers and consumers in PRO membership. Requires each State to appoint a home help monitoring agent to monitor the provision of home help services. Requires each State to establish a Consumer Advisory Board, within one year of this Act's enactment, to oversee the quality assurance review activities of PROs and the home help monitoring agent. Directs the Board to report to the Secretary and the State's chief executive on October 1 of each year regarding such quality assurance review activities. Requires the Secretary to encourage PROs and home help monitoring agents to develop coordinated mechanisms and outcome-orientated criteria for monitoring the quality of homecare, requiring that such monitoring include direct contact with homecare consumers. Requires that PROs and home help monitoring agents: (1) establish and operate statewide toll-free hotlines for receiving homecare questions and complaints, unless the State establishes such a hotline; and (2) assist consumers in resolving homecare quality problems. Directs Consumer Advisory Boards, PROs, and home help monitoring agents to cooperate with State and local officials in educating consumers regarding quality assurance programs and the assistance available for consumers with quality assurance problems. Directs the Secretary to encourage States to develop ombudsman programs for nonelderly homecare consumers. Requires the Secretary to establish and the States to develop procedures for imposing sanctions against contractors and providers failing to comply with this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on January 1 of each year regarding the availability, adequacy, and use of sanctions. Requires the Secretary to develop incentives to contractor compliance with title XXI participation conditions, including an annual directory of homecare contractors having a consistent record of compliance with such conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage States to develop homecare provider licensing and certification policies; and (2) issue a biennial report on State implementation of such policies. Establishes a Homecare Quality Assurance Council with which the Secretary must consult in implementing and administering title XXI of the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to award grants for homecare contractor and provider training programs and furnish States, contractors, and providers with training materials. Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines, fund, and issue a report regarding: (1) studies on homecare quality assurance measures; and (2) demonstration projects which include projects exploring the feasibility and desirability of developing certification requirements for individuals who provide homecare services, and projects considering alternatives to the use of PROs in monitoring homecare contractors. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on January 1 of each year and States to report to the Secretary on October 1 of each year regarding the nature and performance during the preceding fiscal year of the homecare quality assurance system. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the home health monitoring activities of PROs and home help monitoring agents; (2) home health training program grants; and (3) the studies and demonstration projects established pursuant to this Act. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to extend the long-term care ombudsman program to homecare services. Requires each State to establish a toll-free telephone hotline to facilitate the communication of complaints regarding long-term and homecare services. Authorizes appropriations for the hotline and homecare ombudsman program. Directs the Secretary to conduct demonstration projects to determine the most effective methods for an ombudsman to: (1) administer and perform homecare activities; and (2) coordinate such activities with other ombudsman activities. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such projects by 1990. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study, within three years of this Act's enactment, into the feasibility of extending the ombudsman program to physician and hospital services received by older individuals. Sets forth administrative and reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987
Railroad Safety Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring that all: (1) railroad employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions be subject to random-based testing for the use of alcohol or a controlled substance; and (2) locomotives operating on specified passenger trackage or feeder lines be equipped with certain automatic speed control devices. Directs the Federal Railroad Administration to establish certain grade crossing demonstration projects, and to report to the Congress on the results of such projects. Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to make it unlawful for any person (including railroad personnel) to fail to comply with any rules prescribed by the Secretary. Increases the maximum civil penalty for such violations from $2,500 to $10,000 (and $25,000 for specified violations). Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit an individual from performing safety-sensitive functions if such individual's violation of a rule, regulation, order, or standard is shown to make that individual unfit for such functions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Small Business Prompt Payment Act Amendments of 1987 - Revises Federal law to deem the head of a Federal agency to have received an invoice on the later of: (1) the date on which the designated office or employee of an agency actually receives it; or (2) the fifth day after the date on which a property is actually delivered, or final performance of a service is actually completed, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Makes Federal prompt payment provisions applicable to the United States Postal Service. Makes the Postmaster General responsible for issuing procurement regulations, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses. Reduces the 15-day grace period for payment of interest penalties to eight days for solicitations (other than meat products and agricultural commodities) issued before October 1, 1990. Eliminates such grace period for procurement solicitations issued on or after October 1, 1990. Requires an agency to pay a double interest penalty if: (1) the agency owes the interest penalty; (2) the interest penalty is not paid to the business concern on or after the date the penalty is due; (3) the agency does not pay the penalty within ten days after such payment is made; and (4) a written demand is made within 40 days after such payment is made. Requires regulations on interest penalties, in the case of construction contracts, to provide for the payment of interest on: (1) progress payments due for more than seven days, or a longer period if the prevailing practice in private construction contracts is to provide such longer period; and (2) amounts retained during the performance of a contract, if such amounts are not paid by the required payment date. Requires regulations on interest penalties to provide for periodic payments in the case of supply or service contracts upon: (1) the submission of an invoice for supplies delivered or services performed; and (2) acceptance of supplies or services by an authorized employee or certification of performance by such an employee. Requires Government construction contractors to include a payment provision in their agreements with their subcontractors which provides for payment in accordance with prevailing industry standards. Requires the contractor to pay a late payment interest penalty to the subcontractor at the rate applicable between the prime contractor and the Government. Specifies the calculation of time for interest penalties on discount payments. Revises agency reporting requirements on interest penalty payments to include: (1) a description of agency payment practices; and (2) an analysis by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for each of the various Federal agencies on the impact of such payments on small and disadvantaged businesses. Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to report to the congressional committees on Small Business on current Government compliance with the payment of interest penalties and the impact on small business. Requires the Chief Counsel to monitor the compliance of all agencies and of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget with interest penalty payments. Requires the modification of the Federal acquisition regulation to implement Federal prompt payment provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to delay for one year revision of the taxable years of partnerships, S corporations, personal service corporations, and trusts. Reduces by one year the transition period for such revision.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1987
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish in the Treasury the Textile Machinery Modernization Fund. Appropriates revenues from customs duties imposed on textile machinery and parts imported into the United States to such fund for research projects for the modernization of the U.S. textile machinery industry.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987
Amends the Federal judicial code to create two divisions in the judicial District of Maryland. Lists the counties which comprise the Northern Division. States that court for the Northern Division shall be held at Baltimore, Cumberland, and Denton. Lists the counties which comprise the Southern division. States that court for the Southern Division shall be held in Montgomery County or Prince George's County.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Cancer Patients' Employment Rights Act - Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, because of an individual's cancer history, to: (1) fail or refuse to hire or to discharge the individual, or to otherwise discriminate against the individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; or (2) limit, segregate, or classify employees or applicants for employment in any way which would tend to deprive an individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the individual's status as an employee. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employment agency to: (1) fail or refuse to refer for employment, or otherwise discriminate against, an individual because of the individual's cancer history; or (2) classify or refer for employment an individual on the basis of the individual's cancer history. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for a labor organization to: (1) exclude or to expel from its membership, or otherwise discriminate against, an individual because of the individual's cancer history; (2) limit, segregate, or classify its membership, or to classify or fail or refuse to refer an individual for employment because of the individual's cancer history; or (3) cause or attempt to cause an employer to discriminate against an individual. Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee controlling an apprenticeship, training, or retraining program to discriminate against an individual because of the individual's cancer history in admission to, or employment in, such programs. Declares that it is not an unlawful employment practice to hire individuals on the basis of their cancer history in cases where cancer history is a bona fide occupational qualification. Declares it to be an unlawful employment practice for an employer to give and to act upon the results of a professionally developed ability test if such test is designed or used to discriminate because of cancer history. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to require an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee to grant preferential treatment to an individual or group because of the individual's or group's cancer history for the purpose of certain numerical comparisons. Describes other unlawful employment practices with respect to individuals with a cancer history, including: (1) retaliation; (2) published job notices; (3) medical examinations and medical information; and (4) reasonable accommodations for such individuals. Requires all personnel actions in the following government entities to be made free from discrimination based on cancer history: (1) military departments; (2) executive agencies; (3) the United States Postal Service and Postal Rate Commission; (4) units of the District of Columbia government having positions in the competitive service; and (5) units of the judicial branch having positions in the competitive service. Empowers the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce this Act and to make investigations and require recordkeeping as appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that certain information relating to fund raising must be included on tax returns made by tax-exempt organizations. Specifies the information required as: (1) the name and address of each person engaged in fund raising on behalf of the organization; (2) the gross amount raised by such person; (3) the amount of compensation received by such person; (4) a description of the activities performed by such person on behalf of the organization; and (5) a description of the other fund raising activities of the organization, the amount raised from such activities, and the expenses incurred for such activities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987
California Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 1987 - Withdraws from appropriation under the public land laws and reserves for military use by the Secretary of the Navy specified lands in California known as the China Lake Naval Weapons Center in Inyo, Kern, and San Bernardino Counties and Chocolate Mountain in Imperial County. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage such lands' nonmilitary uses, subject to closure by the Secretary of the Navy for security or safety purposes. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop, within three years, a management plan for such lands. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to prevent and suppress brush and range fires with reimbursable assistance from the Bureau of Land Management. Requires the Secretaries to enter into a memorandum of understanding concerning the management plan which includes the provision of fire control assistance upon request. Requires the Secretary of Defense to notify the Secretary of the Interior whenever withdrawn lands are being used for defense-related purposes other than those specified, including the effect of such different use. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to delegate management responsibilities for China Lake to the Secretary of the Navy. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to report annually to the Secretary of the Interior, who shall then report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of natural and cultural resources on such withdrawn lands. Makes the Secretary of the Navy responsible for the management of wild horses and burros on such lands. Terminates land withdrawals under this Act 15 years after this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to publish a draft environmental impact statement on the continued or renewed withdrawal of lands under this Act. Requires such Secretary to hold a public hearing in California before the withdrawal's termination. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to maintain a decontamination program for such lands during their withdrawal. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate congressional committees on such decontamination efforts. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to notify the Secretary of the Interior, at least three years before the termination of the withdrawal, whether an extension is going to be requested and, if not, to what extent such lands are contaminated with hazardous materials. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to decontaminate relinquished lands, but if such decontamination is not practicable or economically feasible, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to refuse to accept such lands. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to then: (1) warn the public of risks of entry; (2) conduct only decontamination activities on such lands after the expiration of the withdrawal; and (3) report to the Secretary of the Interior and the Congress on the status of such lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish the acceptance of withdrawn lands, indicating when such lands will be open and under what conditions. Exempts the United States from liability for injuries or damages resulting from nonmilitary activity on withdrawn lands.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987
Commemorates the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 as one of the fundamental legal documents of the United States. Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the bicentennial of the Northwest Ordinance.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Older American Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991 for State and community programs on aging which include programs providing nutrition services, supportive services, surplus commodities, or cash payments in lieu of food commodities to older individuals. Requires States to include among such programs a program providing in-home services to frail, older individuals. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1991, for: (1) the older American community service employment program; (2) grants to Indian tribes for the provision of supportive and nutritional services to older Indians; and (3) the older Americans personal health education and training program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the promotion of unrestricted family visits between related people of the United States and the Soviet Union is an essential part of American policy toward the Soviet Union; and (2) the President, the Secretary of State, and other administration members should raise the issue of family visitation at all appropriate opportunities in discussions with leaders of the Communist Party and the Government of the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Omnibus Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to prepare a statement setting forth in nontechnical terms: (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal adverse decisions, prosecute refund claims, and file complaints; and (3) the procedures that the IRS may use in enforcing revenue laws. Directs the Secretary to transmit drafts of such statement to specified congressional committees and to distribute the final statement to all taxpayers with tax forms sent by the IRS. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 and other Federal law to establish within the Department of the Treasury (Department) an Office of Inspector General (Inspector). Transfers to such Office the existing audit and investigation units of the Department. Prohibits the Inspector from reviewing: (1) monetary, fiscal, and tax policy; and (2) the exercise of legal judgment in the investigation and litigation of cases. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) withhold from the Inspector requested information that the Secretary determines will jeopardize the success of an ongoing investigation or litigation, confidential sources, or the national security; and (2) prohibit the Inspector from undertaking or continuing an audit or investigation under limited circumstances described in this Act. Requires the IRS, upon taxpayer request, to conduct any interview regarding a deficiency assessment at a reasonable time and place convenient to the taxpayer and to the IRS, and to permit the taxpayer, at his or her own expense, to record the interview. Authorizes the IRS interviewer to record such interview if the taxpayer has been given prior notice and is provided, upon request and payment of reproduction costs, with a transcript of the recording. Requires the interview to warn the taxpayer that: (1) he or she has a right to remain silent; (2) any statement the taxpayer makes may be used against him or her; and (3) he or she has the right to the presence of an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary. Permits a waiver of such rights if voluntarily and knowingly made. Amends Federal law to require the Comptroller General (Comptroller) of the General Accounting Office to: (1) conduct audits of the IRS with respect to the efficiency, uniformity, and equity of the internal revenue laws (current law specifies no particular focus for such audits); and (2) conduct special audits or investigations of internal revenue law administration upon the request of any congressional committee or Member of Congress. Requires the Comptroller's annual report to the Congress to include specified findings concerning IRS management, efficiency, procedures, and structure. Divests of its finality a vote of the Joint Committee on Taxation to disapprove a Comptroller General audit of the IRS. Designates such vote as a recommendation to disapprove an audit and makes such recommendation subject to congressional approval. Prohibits evaluations of IRS personnel based on revenue collected from taxpayers as a result of audits or investigations involving such personnel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe criminal penalties for: (1) any investigation by an officer or employee of the United States in connection with Federal tax laws that inquires into the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization; or (2) the maintenance of any records containing information derived from such an investigation. Creates a civil cause of action in Federal court (regardless of the amount in controversy) for any taxpayer aggrieved by such prohibited investigation or recordkeeping. Authorizes both equitable remedies and awards of damages, including punitive damages, litigation costs and reasonable attorney fees, in such cases. Extends from ten to 30 days the period between the required notice to a person who neglects or refuses to pay tax liability and a levy on such person's salary, wages, or other property. Specifies information that must be incorporated in such notice, including possible alternative actions and the appropriate appeals procedures. Adds to the circumstances triggering termination of such a levy: (1) an agreement between the taxpayer and the Secretary for payment of the liability; and (2) the Secretary's determination that the taxpayer's financial condition precludes enforceability of the liability. Revises the list of property exempt from levy to: (1) increase the exempt amount permitted for certain personal effects, the property of a business, and wages; (2) add an exemption for certain deposits in qualified institutions; and (3) provide an express exemption, except under limited circumstances specified in this Act, for the taxpayer's principal residence, a motor vehicle used by the taxpayer as the primary means of transportation to work, and any tangible personal property essential to the operation of the taxpayer's business in cases when a levy would prevent the taxpayer from carrying on such business. Prohibits a levy on any property when levy and sales expenses would exceed either the liability for which the levy is made or the fair market value of the levied property. Sets forth situations in which the Secretary must release a levy. Applies to jeopardy levies the administrative and judicial review procedures currently applicable to jeopardy assessments. Authorizes the Secretary, in certain cases, to enter into a binding agreement with a taxpayer under which such taxpayer may pay tax liability in installments. Requires the Secretary to offer in writing to enter such an agreement with any individual: (1) whose tax liability is $20,000 or less; and (2) who has not been delinquent in installment tax payments under similar agreements during a specified period. Permits the Secretary, after proper notice and a hearing, to modify or annul such an agreement upon the finding that the financial condition of the affected taxpayer has significantly changed. Requires the Secretary to abate in full any deficiency, including penalty or interest, completely attributable to erroneous advice in writing given to a taxpayer by an IRS officer or employee in response to such taxpayer's specific inquiry. Directs IRS officers and employees, when giving oral advice to a person, to inform such person that the contents of such communication are not binding on the IRS. Authorizes the IRS Ombudsman, upon application filed by a taxpayer, to issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Ombudsman: (1) the taxpayer is suffering or is about to suffer from an unusual or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary; and (2) the Secretary has failed to carry out any of his or her duties or has violated any provision of law. Allows the terms of a Taxpayer Assistance Order to require the Secretary to release property of the taxpayer levied upon or to cease or refrain from certain actions. Requires the Secretary to obey any Taxpayer Assistance Order issued by the Ombudsman. Allows an administrative appeal of tax liens. Revises the criteria according to which the Secretary determines a minimum sale price for property seized by levy and subject to a tax sale. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing a class audit of taxpayers in a particular business or trade until each group member is given proper notice and the opportunity either to file an amended return or to challenge the Secretary's findings at a hearing. Places upon the IRS the burden of proof on all issues in all administrative and judicial proceedings between the IRS and a taxpayer. Applies the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all IRS rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase from ten dollars to 25 dollars the charge for the annual admission permit (the Golden Eagle Passport). Authorizes the Director of the National Park Service to make available an annual admission permit for a reasonable fee for a specific unit or units. Sets fee limits for single visit permits. Prohibits charging fees at urban, outdoor recreation areas. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to specified congressional committees a list of units and their proposed admission fees. Requires fee proceeds to be used for the maintenance of the national parks as specified. Extends the Land and Water Conservation Fund through FY 2015.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal to Mrs. Jesse Owens in recognition of the late Jesse Owens' athletic achievements and humanitarian contributions to public service, civil rights, and international goodwill. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to repeal the provision which disallows the treatment of certain technical personnel as self-employed individuals for employment tax purposes. Specifies that the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied and administered as if such provision had not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1987
Designates June 14, 1987, as Baltic Freedom Day. Expresses disapproval of the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to recognize the sovereignty of the Baltic Republics.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1987
Amends the National Housing Act to make authority permanent for: (1) title I financial institution insurance for housing renovation and modernization; (2) general mortgage insurance; (3) low and moderate income and displaced families mortgage insurance; (4) mortgage co-insurance, including rental rehabilitation and development projects; (5) mortgage insurance for armed forces' civilian employees and defense housing for impacted areas; (6) mortgage insurance for land development; (7) mortgage insurance for medical and dental group practice facilities; (8) mortgage insurance commitment limitations; and (9) graduated payment and indexed mortgage insurance. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to make authority permanent for urban rehabilitation loan authority. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make authority permanent for: (1) insured loans for rental and cooperative housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families in rural areas; and (2) mutual and self-help housing grant and loan authority. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1986 to make national flood insurance authority, including emergency implementation provisions, permanent.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1987
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the transfer or other disclosure of taxpayer information by return preparers in conjunction with the sale of the business of preparing tax returns, unless the taxpayer consents in writing to such transfer or other disclosure.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Textile and Apparel Trade Act of 1987 - Limits the 1987 imports of textiles and textile products classified under a category to an amount equal to 101 percent of the total 1986 imports classified under such category. Limits the 1987 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under a nonrubber footwear category to an amount equal to: (1) the total 1986 imports of nonrubber footwear classified under such category; and (2) in the case of low priced nonrubber footwear, the total 1986 imports of low priced nonrubber footwear classified under such category. Provides for a one-percent annual growth in the amount of permitted imports of textiles and textile products after 1987. Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into trade agreements to grant new concessions as compensation, to the extent required under U.S. trade agreements for the import limits imposed by this Act; and (2) proclaim such modification or continuance of any existing duty on textiles and textile products and on nonrubber footwear as necessary to carry out such agreements. Prohibits the President from reducing any rate of duty by more than ten percent. Requires the President, before entering into such trade agreements, to consider whether such country has violated trade concessions of benefit to the United States and such violation has not been adequately offset by U.S. action or by the action of such country. Sets forth requirements governing staged rate reductions in the tariffs of articles affected by this Act. Prohibits the President, except as authorized by this paragraph, from entering into trade negotiations with any country with respect to duties on textiles, textile products, and nonrubber footwear. Prohibits the President, except as provided in this paragraph, from decreasing or proposing a decrease in any such duty by any means, including an implementing bill or a proclamation. Requires the President to report annually to the Congress on the administration of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, ten years after enactment of this Act, to study and report to the Congress on the operation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1987
Medicare Community Nursing and Ambulatory Care Act of 1987 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries (other than those with end-stage renal disease) to enroll with eligible organizations with which the Secretary of Health and Human Services enters a contract for the provision of community nursing and ambulatory care on a prepaid, capitated basis. Lists the services and supplies which comprise community nursing and ambulatory care. Defines an "eligible organization" as a public or private entity which: (1) primarily engages in the provision of community nursing and ambulatory care; (2) provides such care through or under the supervision of a registered nurse; (3) maintains clinical records on all patients; and (4) maintains procedures for referring cases to or consulting with other health care providers. Requires the Secretary to annually publish a per capita rate of payment for each class of enrollees equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for such class. Directs the Secretary to make monthly prepayments to such organizations in accordance with such rates. Authorizes retroactive payment adjustments to account for differences between the actual number of enrollees and the number of enrollees estimated for the purpose of determining the advance payment. Prohibits enrollee charges from exceeding charges for which they would be liable in the absence of their enrollment. Authorizes eligible organizations to provide enrollees with optional additional care. Requires the provision of additional care where the average of the per capita rates of payment to an organization exceeds the adjusted community rate for community nursing and ambulatory care, unless the organization elects to have such payments reduced or withheld. Makes certain Medicare provisions which are applicable to health maintenance organizations and competitive medical plans applicable to organizations providing care pursuant to this Act, including provisions regarding: (1) enrollment periods; (2) enrollee grievance procedures; (3) health care quality assurance programs; and (4) the organization's status as a secondary payor.
![Official portrait of Rep. Byron, Beverly B. [D-MD-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001220_200.jpg)